Jaipur <3

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Here is what I wrote in my journal while I was in Jaipur for the weekend:

Right now I am in Jaipur! I think this city is great and I've had a really good weekend. I was feeling exhausted from the heat and sleepy which is why I left today's outing early to come back to the hotel to write this. This was our first trip we planned alone and so far it's going well. It's nice to be able to set our own time tables, split up into groups, and do what we want. For example when we first arrived, Shyanne and I were anxious to get to exploring after dropping our stuff at the hotel whereas some people wanted to go out to eat lunch first (which turned out to be a long disaster). We were satisfied with our PB&J's and pringles. The two of sus with advice from the front desk, went to Jahori (sometimes pronounced zahori) bazaar, which is in the old city. It was really cool there and nice to walk on the sidewalks which were covered. There were tons of Sari shops, jewelry stores, and other handicraft vendors. Jaipur is known for its handicrafts and gems, which was very evident. The rolling mountains that surround the town is gorgeous and I think that if I lived in medieval India I would love to be in Jaipur and live in the Amber fort palace. Anyway, back to saris. We went into one shop where the seller tried very hard to make a sale, showing us at least 50 different saris. I almost committed to one silk sari, but I'm so glad I followed my gut and didn't. I knew it wasn't spectacular enough, that i didn't love it and would forget about it later. I wanted my first sari to be epic! Luckily a few shops down I met my match. It happened to be the first one I was shown but even after looking at many more colors and styles I knew that was the one. My dream sari. It is bright, beautifully embroidered and simply wonderful! I love it, can you tell? You should have seen my face in reaction to first encountering it.

I hope one day later in life I can come back to Jaipur. Rajasthan is beautiful and everyone is very friendly and nice here. India in general I know I will visit again when I'm older. I just have a feeling!

After shopping we randomly went to the city palace but wanted to meet up with other people in the group. While talking, a man was explaining some tourism and places to see. when we asked where they were he said he was a rikshaw drive and could take us to all the places for only 80 rupees! (about $1.30). He was nice, genuine and not pushy so we agreed. He first took us to find our friends who happened to be around the corner at this tower that overlooks the city. It was awesome! Salim, the autowalla called his brother and cousin who drove the rest of us (9 total). First we went to lake palce and then to their “secret spot” to see elephants. We were a little sketched out at first since we stopped off at a side village but when we turned around the corner there were 5 elephants in a stall! Elephants are such majestic creatures. It was so awesome to be next to one up close and their owner helped us pose with them. We hugged their trucks and stood under their mouths! They feel so interesting! Later they took us on a ride around the village. What a crazy experience. After elephants we headed back to the hotel, ordered room service, and had a fun night relaxing and hanging out. Today we leisurely woke up and got ready. We wanted to sight see today and so we went to Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Ganesh Temple, and Hawa Mahal (which was my favorite) also called Palace of the Winds. Hawa Mahal was fun to explore and the prettiest one in my opinion. Then we ate at a restaurant where I ordered an onion masala dosa with a sweet lassi. After lunch we went to Amber fort which was super cool. It had lots of old remains and was built into the hills (aka lots of stairs). I was feeling dehydrated and tired so I went back while everyone else did some more shopping. Some people in our group visited a Monkey temple where thousands of monkeys roam around! I t was a big highlight so I'm a little bummed I missed it... but not too much ;)





P.s rode in my first sleeper car train... a little scary and weird but I survived!

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